Residents of the Akinbo community in Ewekoro Local Government Area have petitioned the Ogun State Government over the alleged pollution of their primary water source by a company operating within the community. They equally demanded that the government should order the company to stop any actions that may worsen environmental pollution and to undertake the cleanup and rehabilitation of the impacted environment.
Traditional Ruler Raises Alarm
The Olu of Akinbo, Oba Rasheed Olamilekan Balogun, in a letter dated May 26, 2026, and submitted to the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, called for immediate government action to prevent what he described as a potential public health and environmental emergency. Oba Balogun raised the alarm over the alleged persistent release of waste materials, chemical effluents, and other hazardous pollutants into the environment by Burning PIE Ltd. He lamented that the pollution had affected the residents' domestic and economic activities.
He explained that the residents relied mainly on the water source for drinking, cooking, farming, and fishing, expressing regret that the pollution has made the water unfit for human consumption and household use, placing residents at considerable health and environmental risk.
Impact on Ecosystem and Livelihood
The traditional ruler also claimed that the pollution has caused the death of fish and other aquatic life within and around the affected water body, sparking concerns about the long-term viability of the local ecosystem. He explained that several domestic animals relying on the water source have reportedly been affected as well, further aggravating the hardship faced by residents whose livelihoods depend heavily on the natural resource.
The monarch cautioned that the situation could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases and other health challenges unless relevant authorities take immediate corrective action. He stated that women, children, and the elderly have been the most affected by the alleged contamination, as they are primarily responsible for finding alternative sources of water for the community.
Demands for Government Action
Oba Balogun called on the Ministry of Environment to urgently carry out an environmental inspection and investigation into the activities of Burning PIE Ltd in the area. He also demanded detailed laboratory analyses and scientific evaluations of the affected water source to ascertain the level of contamination and assess any potential risks to public health.
He called on the government to compel the company to immediately cease all activities that could contribute to further environmental pollution and to ensure the prompt remediation and restoration of the affected area. Furthermore, Oba Balogun urged the government to implement appropriate sanctions and regulatory actions if investigations confirm that the company breached environmental laws.
